A Tennessee woman has had a massive cyst removed after living in pain for years.“I’m still sore, and I’ve got an uphill battle, but it’s worth it,” Ashley Walden, a 32-year-old mother of three, told WTVF.Walden first went to the doctor five years ago when she was experiencing pain in her abdomen. Her doctor diagnosed her with a benign ovarian cyst.However, the pain continued to worsen and Walden began gaining weight. Within months, she looked like she was six months pregnant. “I took a couple of pregnancy tests,” said Walden. “They came back negative. I ended up in the emergency room because I was hurting so bad. That is when they found out the cyst hit a growth spurt.”Walden met with Dr. Shana Dowell at NorthCrest Medical Center, who told her she needed surgery immediately. “She was walking down the hallway, and could barely walk,” said Dowell.Finally, a 20-pound cyst was removed from Walden. “I am very grateful she was able to get it out,” said Walden. “I’m here today for my kids because of her.”Walden only wishes she had taken care of the cyst sooner.“It’s not worth it, putting your health off,” said Walden. “One day it might be too late.”Dowell said ovarian cysts are relatively common, and most are harmless. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fullness or heaviness in the abdomen, or bloating. She encouraged women who have concerns to talk to their doctors and schedule regular exams. Walden is focusing on recovering for her children.“It’s been two years since I have been able to enjoy time with my kids,” said Walden. “I want to get back to 100 percent for them."

SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. —

A Tennessee woman has had a massive cyst removed after living in pain for years.

Dowell said ovarian cysts are relatively common, and most are harmless. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fullness or heaviness in the abdomen, or bloating. She encouraged women who have concerns to talk to their doctors and schedule regular exams.

Walden is focusing on recovering for her children.

“It’s been two years since I have been able to enjoy time with my kids,” said Walden. “I want to get back to 100 percent for them."